McMurdo Shuttles Reflections

[K7MT]

Howdy from Bill Erhardt (Smokey),

Now that I am back home in Montana Skiing, I was reflecting a bit on my short (05 Jan -19 Feb) work with the Shuttle folks at McMurdo. I had a wonderful time learning the ropes from all of you and want to say thanks for guiding me along the ice roads of McMurdo !!

In the beginning I felt like an outsider and not really accepted as all of you had been there for three months, worked together, and had all become very close. Then along comes this FNG for the last 6 weeks of the season full of excitment, dancing around on Happy Feet, and wanting to be a part of a most extra ordinary adventure. You pointed out my faults which I tried to correct, guided me along all procedures in which I made mistakes but learned quickly, and made me feel some degree of acceptance in such a young crowd of co-workers. If I am privilaged to come back next year, I now have a good foundation on which to build and become better at my work and with my co-workers.

Shuttle Bill, could not have done it without you buddy. You were the one person who gave me the most guidance, was the most accepting, and made me feel comfortable. I guess our ages had a bit to do with that..

I will be skiing most of Feb/Mar, wildland fire training most of April, and then work the rest of the summer through Sept on fires all around the country. I will post pictures on my web site http://www.mt.net/~k7mt. October will be here and hope I will be packing my bags for another great adventure.

Everyone have a safe summer where ever you are and wish you God speed in all your lifes adventures..

Cheers Bill

[thepooles98]

Good job of blending in Bill. You were no longer a fng after 6 weeks. See you next year. Did you get the logs OK?
M

[K7MT]

Hi Mike,

Just back from two days of wonderful spring skiing in Idaho.

Yes, I got the logs in Exel and will e-mail off to K1IED (Larry) first thing in the morning. This will catch us up so we can start a new next season.

I got the adapter for the desk mike, I will donate a Iambic paddle for cw, and I got an PK-232 MBX donated so we will have Pactor. I would like to try WinLink which is used to send and receive e-mail (Text only) via HF to internet and vice versa. Last but not least, I am working on getting an interface donated for digital modes via sound card. This will all be permant donations and will remain to give everyone a good complete Ham Radio station.

Have not heard from Mr. Wagner about the IRLP but hoping we can get it back operational with his help.

Next season I am going to play with APRS on my two Kenwood TH-7’s. One for RF on a computer gateway Using APRS Plus SA software) and one with a GPS in a shuttle vehicle. Maybe we will see a bus Icon show up on the internet driving around the Ross Sea ice…

Cheers from Montana Mike

Bill K7MT

[thepooles98]

Nice Bill
I’ve always wanted to learn how to do APRS. Maybe I’ll try it this summer at home. Enjoy the fire season. Do you ever get sent to the California fires in the summer? You are welcome to visit if you do.
Mike

[K7MT]

Hi Mike,

I posted a picture of you operating the Ham Radio gear and of the the new TH-7 on my web site:

http://www.mt.net/~k7mt

Snowing in Montana today and tomorrow. Ski area at Great Divide has just been great for spring skiing. About 4 feet of snow on the slopes and predicted for about 12 inches over the next two days. I will be on the slopes starting Wed. for five excellent days of skiing.

I see on Rayjobs that all the driver/senior driver/Supervisor positions have been removed. Looks like all positions have enough applicants. I will wait and see if they recommend me to come back down in October. Sure hope I am given the opportunity as I had such a great time with some great folks.

Cheers Mike

Bill (Smokey) K7MT 😀

[thepooles98]

Bill, You should have been able to apply via Raycats before you left. It would give you an edge. Raycats is internal for existing employees, Rayjobs is for everyone else. Give your contact a call in Denver. Hope you get back. It will be fun having you around for a whole season. Were you able to get Larry the QSL info?

I’m here on the west coast. Rain Rain Rain right now, but it’s due to clear up after this week.

Enjoy the snow.
M

[thepooles98]

Bill, I’ve got a gps. What do I need to do APRS?

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